Despite many campaigns to raise public awareness the number of dog attacks on livestock remains far too high.

However, NFU Scotland believes there is a tool available that would improve this deplorable situation if it was used effectively by local authorities. They believe that Dog Control Notices (DCNs) remain chronically underutilised.

In an attempt to bring about much needed change, NFU Scotland has made a submission to the Public Audit and Post Legislative Scrutiny Committee. Their submission outlines the ineffectiveness of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 in reducing the number of out of control dogs/dog attacks in Scotland.

Information obtained by NFU Scotland has revealed that over six months between 1 December and 31 May, 21 out 32 local councils in Scotland issued no Dog Control Notices for livestock worrying, while another seven only issued one.

NFU Scotland Policy Manager Gemma Cooper said: “NFU Scotland is very supportive of the aim of the 2010 Dog Control Act which is to ensure that dogs which are out control are brought and kept under control, by tackling irresponsible dog ownership.

“The 2010 Act introduced Dog Control Notices, but because these have been chronically under used they have not had a positive impact in terms of reducing livestock worrying. Local Authorities have a statutory duty to issue these, and to monitor their effectiveness, but NFUS is very concerned that this does not seem to have occurred.

NFU Scotland also pointed out that a national database of Dog Control Notices was also to be introduced according to the 2010 Act. As far as they are aware this has not occurred either.

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd had a small show of prime cattle in Dumfries on Wednesday with heifers selling to a top of 232p per kg

71 Cattle in the rough ring generally lacked flesh with beef cows selling up to £1150 and 150p, while dairy cows peaked at £845 and 107p.

The firm also sold 1127 prime lambs at improved levels for all classes. The lambs sold to a top of £92 per head and 193p per kg to average 173p (+8p on the week).

A large show of 887 cast sheep sold up to £109.50 for Texels while light/export-type ewes peaked at £56.50 for Cheviots.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 1064 prime lambs forward in Newton Stewart on Wednesday which were a similar trade to last week. Top prices on the day were £90 and 179.5p with the overall average levelling at 166.4p (+3.9).

Cast sheep sold for less money this week with 278 heavy ewes selling to £120 for Texels and averaging £71.34, while 293 light ewes peaked at £52.50 for Blackface and levelled at £35.88